IMPROVISATION – A MULTILAYERED P

Improvisation – A Multilayered Perspective

Author:

Dr. Gro Trondalen

Abstract:

This presentation will address the phenomenon of improvisation, suggesting a multilayered frame of interpretation, namely improvisation as a) a being – an existential presence b) a doing – an aesthetic participation and c) a transformation – a symbol.
The first aspect, musical improvisation as a being, is connected to a primary consciousness in a now-moment. From a phenomenological point of view, consciousness is always directed towards something, accompanied by inner feelings of being alive. Such an experience of presence may open for an existential recognition at a non-verbal level.
Secondly, musical improvisation as a doing - an aesthetic participation – is linked to beauty and the act of playing and creating. Such a bodily aesthetic participation may contribute to an exploration of musical feelings and physical actions through music.
The third perspective, is related to musical improvisation as a transformation - a symbol, which is able to both contain and mediate meaning. Due to the music’s ambiguity, the client can put the meaning she wants into the music. Through a restored sense of her emotional self, the client may experience that relating experiences in musical improvisation offer new and beneficial ways of relating, which may be transferred to daily life.
The presentation will be illustrated by clinical vignettes.

Keywords:

improvisation, multilayered perspective

Biographical details:
Dr. Gro Trondalen is Associate Professor in Music Therapy at the Norwegian Academy of Music and holds a private practice in BMGIM. She is a former coordinator of the Ph.D. program and the Music Therapy Training (MA) in Oslo and Vice-President of the European Music Therapy Confederation. She is a qualified music therapist and Special Education Teacher and holds a specialization in The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. As a music therapist Trondalen has worked in the field of child welfare and adult mental health. Research focus has been on clinical work linked to philosophical and theoretical perspectives.